Newzapalooza battle of the media bands - Nov. 1 @ Toronto's Opera House

[James Rankin]

Come out if you can. Always a great night ...

Newzapalooza annual media battle of the bands about to rock

TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2013 — Let it be known that media bands are set to “turn it to eleven” — that’s a Spinal Tap reference, boys and girls — all in the name of serious competition, good fun and a great charity.

On Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 at The Opera House, 735 Queen St. E., bands from the Toronto Sun, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Canadian Press, Thomson Reuters, JAZZFM.99.1, a merry bunch of freelancers without pensions, and special guests, The Clamshell Quintet, a Toronto City Hall house band comprised of politicos of all stripes, will take to the stage to raise money for the Children’s Aid Foundation.

Newzapalooza, now in its 9th year, promises as always to be a night where hacks forget their day jobs — if only for a few hours — and become gods of rock. In their own minds, for some, but, to be sure, there’s some serious musical talent being wasted in the pursuit of videos allegedly showing this and that. The event has raised more than $70,000 for the Children’s Aid Foundation.

Hosted by emcee extraordinaire Jaymz Bee, the show this year will once again tap the expertise of celebrity judges. This year’s line up includes author, hockey nut and musician Dave Bidini (his latest book, “Keon and Me,” is on the shelves); Dean Blundell, host of the morning Dean Blundell Show at 102.1 The Edge and frequent consulter of lawyers; and Steve Murray, a National Post cartoonist whose Twitter views “reflect the opinions of @globeandmail.”

Special thanks to this year’s growing list of sponsors, which includes Home Depot, The Opera House, Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, Ace Awards Inc., Prohibition GastroPub, Toronto Sun, Toronto Star and The Second City.

Doors and the bar open at 7 p.m., and the show, barring any unforeseen proroguing, will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at the door or from members of the media bands taking part.

For more information, visit www.newzapalooza.ca, or like and follow @Newzapalooza on Facebook and Twitter.